Cavaliers Coach Tyronn Lue Is Taking A Leave Of Absence Due To Health Issues

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When the Cleveland Cavaliers announced today that coach Tyronn Lue would be taking a leave of absence, I immediately thought it was because he disrespected LeBron by not holding the door for him or liking his cheeseball Instagram post or something asinine like that.

Was it because he claimed that LeBron’s BFF Dwyane Wade was an issue in the Cavs locker room? Was it because LeBron and Lue exchanged heated words on the bench last week? If you think these seem trivial or overly-speculative, you may be forgetting the LeBron and the Cavs fired coach David Blatt while they were atop the Eastern Conference standings and after he led them to a Finals appearance in his first year.

But, Lue will be stepping away from coaching for an undisclosed amount of time for a reason far more serious–health issues. The 40-year-old coach released the below statement:

“After many conversations with our doctors and Koby and much thought given to what is best for the team and my health, I need to step back from coaching for the time being and focus on trying to establish a stronger and healthier foundation from which to coach for the rest of the season.

I have had chest pains and other troubling symptoms, compounded by a loss of sleep, throughout the year. Despite a battery of tests, there have been no conclusions as to what the exact issue is.

While I have tried to work through it, the last thing I want is for it to affect the team. I am going to use this time to focus on a prescribed routine and medication, which has previously been difficult to start in the midst of a season. My goal is to come out of it a stronger and healthier version of myself so I can continue to lead this team to the Championship we are all working towards.

I greatly appreciate Dan Gilbert, Koby Altman, our medical team and the organization’s support throughout.”

Lue did not coach the second half of Sunday’s game due to illness, likely the tipping point for the Cavs coach to step away. Associate coach Larry Drew will take over the team in his absence.

[h/t Larry Brown Sports]

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Matt’s love of writing was born during a sixth grade assembly when it was announced that his essay titled “Why Drugs Are Bad” had taken first prize in D.A.R.E.’s grade-wide contest. The anti-drug people gave him a $50 savings bond for his brave contribution to crime-fighting, and upon the bond’s maturity 10 years later, he used it to buy his very first bag of marijuana.